Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro was warmly received in Budapest on October 27 during a pro‑government event, raising questions about his future protection by Hungary.
Ziobro Welcomed with Honors in Budapest
According to Euractiv, former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro was enthusiastically welcomed during the Monday (October 27) event in Budapest organized by pro‑government circles linked to Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party. Participants included, among others, Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas. Officially the event centered on the documentary film “Przejęcie” (The Takeover), which claims that Donald Tusk’s government seized control of state television and other institutions by illegal means. In practice – as Euractiv notes – the gathering became a display of Fidesz’s political support for PiS. Gulyas described the party’s politicians as “friends” and stressed the existence of a “strategic alliance” between Orbán’s and Jarosław Kaczyński’s groups.
Romanowski Sheltered by Hungary
Another attendee was Marcin Romanowski, former deputy justice minister and close associate of Ziobro, who is hiding in Hungary after losing his immunity and facing 11 charges, including participation in an organized criminal group. Budapest granted him asylum, arguing that he would have no chance of a fair trial in Poland. Polish authorities and prosecutors fear that similar actions will be taken against Zbigniew Ziobro. On Tuesday, October 28, alongside accusing him of 26 crimes, a petition for his temporary arrest was filed with the court.
Ziobro Denies Intention to Escape
Polish Law and Justice MP Mariusz Gosek replied to critics that Minister Ziobro will not flee. “There is no reason for Ziobro to leave the country. If they want to see him in chains or prison, there will be.” Gosek said it is a regime; in such a state of lawlessness we must act. The party considers the accusations baseless and politically motivated. Ziobro himself claimed on TV Republika that the charges were revenge for his efforts to expose alleged corruption around Donald Tusk’s close associates. Marcin Romanowski echoed a similar narrative, stating he would cooperate with prosecutors in the summer of 2024, a line later abandoned after he fled to Hungary.
PiS Defends Ziobro as Retaliation by Tusk
PiS spokesperson Rafał Bochenek responded to inquiries, labeling the prosecution’s allegations against Ziobro and the ministry as absurd. He denied that the ministry’s legal activity constitutes criminal conduct, arguing that the charges are politically motivated. Bochenek claimed the accusations are a “political assignment” by Tusk, framing them as retaliation for Ziobro’s vigorous prosecutions of criminals, including those within the current ruling coalition.
Prosecutors Accuse Former Minister of 26 Crimes
The national prosecution alleges that Ziobro is accused of 26 offences connected with irregularities in operating the Justice Fund. Prosecutor Anna Adamiak explained that the crimes link to Ziobro’s tenure as Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Investigators found that Ziobro founded and led an organized criminal group involving Ministry officials and associates tied to the fund’s beneficiaries. The prosecution says this group siphoned more than PLN 150 million from the fund. The offences, classified as misuse of public office and property crimes, involve repeated overreach and dereliction of duties. The indictment also requests removal of Ziobro’s immunity and his temporary detention.
